The space formerly occupied by Feather and Docks on the Gold Coast Highway in the heart of Palm Beach has been transformed by Adam and Mr Bengel’s part-owner Justine Tompsett, who oversaw the evolution of Justin Lane alongside Adam in its early days, before more recently managing Sparrow Eating House in Nobby Beach. Locals will remember Adam’s original foray into the Gold Coast cafe scene back in 2007, with Nobby Beach cafe The Cave (originally The Cavern), which he sold in 2010. Just a year later in 2011, Adam embarked on his Justin Lane venture, which quickly became one of the Gold Coast’s most popular eateries, before opening his second restaurant, Harry’s Steak Bistro & Bar, late last year. So, it’s safe to say we’re pretty delighted to see Adam back in the daytime cafe scene with his third venue, Mr Bengel. You’ll find plenty of familiar faces here, with a bunch of the Justin Lane and Harry’s crew on the floor. In a stark contrast to the premises’ grungy fit-out, the Mr Bengel space is now bright and white with open-plan seating for 80, which sprawls out onto the footpath. The food is vibrant, yet straight-forward. You won’t find any fancy edible flowers here, rather an all-day menu with simple and honest food, with a little bit of that renowned Justine Lane flair.

You’ll find breakfast classics like smashed miso avocado on sourdough with olive oil, bacon and egg rolls with house chutney, and eggs benny with James Street Deli ham atop an English muffin. Step it up a notch with the pork and fennel sausage with herbed scrambled eggs, or keep it garden-based with the green bowl brimming with sauteed broccolini, mushrooms, green beans, zucchini, kale, sauerkraut, avocado and toasted nuts, topped with chilli oil – and you can add a few lashings of bacon for a couple of extra beans. If you’ve had the pleasurable experience of Harry’s famous wagyu beef burger (made from off-cuts of the bistro’s rich and decadent beef) then you’ll be happy to know it’s made it onto Mr Bengel’s menu too, sided with a handful of crisps. There’s also a classic reuben sambo, as well as a half roasted chicken with salsa verde and salad for the midday munchers out there. Expect a welcoming vibe here – it’s laid-back and in tune with Palmy’s culture and, as with each of Adam’s venues, there’s a little bit of fun in the air.

To celebrate its opening, Mr Bengel will be offering FREE coffee between 6:00–9:00 am each day from Monday March 6 until Friday March 10. 

For location and opening hours, head to our Stumble Guide.